"I knew absolutely nothing about Bobby Darin before this film, but now I'm a huge fan," said Bosworth, who attended the premiere with British boyfriend Orlando Bloom.

Dream role

"There is darkness and tragedy in the story, and it was a dream for me to land this part."

Actress Sandra Dee continues to live in Los Angeles as a virtual recluse, but has given her approval to the biopic.

Spacey was joined at the screening by members of Westlife

"She called me last week and said she loved it," said Spacey, who was joined at the premiere by members of the boy band Westlife.

Spacey, a double Oscar-winner, has long been fascinated by the story of singer Bobby Darin.

The voice behind Mack the Knife, Dream Lover and Beyond the Sea, fought childhood illness to become one the biggest stars of the 1950s, but died aged 37 from the heart condition that had troubled him all his life.

"Bobby Darin was one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever known, and yet, because he died young, he's been kind of forgotten," said Spacey at the premiere.

"Making this film was the most fun I've ever had in my entire life."

The movie also stars British actors Bob Hoskins and Brenda Blethyn, as Darin's mother.